When you want to redo your garage floor, there are many different options to choose from. One that has become more and more popular over the last few years is epoxy flooring. The one question most people want to know the answer to is if epoxy garage floors are slippery.
Epoxy garage floors are typically skid resistant but can become slippery when something wet is spilled on the floor. That’s why using textured epoxy flooring or a non-slip coating over the epoxy flooring is vital. It will help eliminate slipping accidents.
For people who want to redo their garage floor, epoxy flooring is an affordable option that is durable and looks great.
However, it has some disadvantages.
Some types of epoxy can be slippery, and you must take preventative measures so people don’t slip and fall.
This article will discuss slippery epoxy garage floors and non-slip coatings in further detail.
Are Epoxy Garage Floors Slippery?
It is a common misconception that epoxy floors are slippery, but that is not always the case. Epoxy floors are made up of two different materials: polymer resin and hardener.
When these two parts are mixed, a chemical reaction fuses the hardeners and polymer resins to the floor. After it cures or hardens, you are left with a thick, durable floor coating.
The surface of the floor is very smooth as cured epoxy is non-porous. That means you have a shiny floor with no visible imperfections.
Most epoxy floors are skid resistant when they are dry. However, they can become very slippery and hazardous as soon as they get wet.
Where To Use Non-Slip Additives On Your Epoxy Floor
High-performance epoxy coatings can prevent work or home-related accidents.
They work best in high-traffic or industrial zones. For example, concrete floors in factories, loading docks, walkways, or garage floors.
There are two ways to create an anti-slip surface on an epoxy floor to help prevent slipping accidents:
- Textured epoxy flooring types have non-slip materials added to the epoxy before application
- Non-slip coatings like color flakes added over epoxy coatings
Using A Non-Slip Additive Mixed With The Top Coat Of Epoxy
The most popular solution is a non-slip textured epoxy is one solution you can use if you need a non-slip surface in the garage.
Most epoxy DIY kits have materials you can add to the epoxy that leaves texture on the surface, making it safe to walk on, even if the floors get wet.
There are a few different additives to choose from that you can add to the epoxy you will use for your garage floor.
These additives include chips, glass beads, polypropylene suspended beads, suspended aluminum oxide, etc.
These additives are mixed with the final coat of epoxy and add texture to the floor’s surface, leaving you with a non-slip surface.
Depending on the epoxy you will use, you may need to use larger additives. The consistency and thickness of the epoxy floor will determine if the additives sink beneath the epoxy’s surface or are suspended in the top layer.
If you use a water- or solvent-based epoxy floor coating, you can use the finer grit or chips as the top coat is thinner. The additives won’t sink beneath the surface but will have little bumps that give the floor enough texture to create a slip-resistant surface.
You need to use larger-sized additives if you have a thicker top coat, such as 100% solids epoxy. This stops them from sinking into the epoxy’s top layer and leaving the surface smooth instead of textured.
Pros And Cons Of Using Additives In Epoxy Flooring
It’s essential to know all the benefits and drawbacks of any product you want to use when redoing your garage floor. Here are the pros and cons of using additives in your epoxy top coat to make it non-slip.
Pros Of Using Additives In Epoxy Flooring
If safety is a priority, having additives added to the epoxy top coat has its benefits.
- Creates a non-slip surface.
- When you add paint chips as well as additives, it gives an industrial look to the garage.
- They help the epoxy adhere to the subfloor better.
- They add to the overall strength and longevity of the epoxy flooring.
Cons Of Using Additives In Epoxy Flooring
Just like there are pros to using additives to epoxy flooring, there are some drawbacks as well.
- It costs more to use additives if you are not using a non-slip epoxy kit. Adding additives can be costly if you have a large surface to cover.
- Despite what many manufacturers claim, walking on epoxy floors with non-slip additives barefoot can be uncomfortable.
- You need to redo your epoxy flooring every few years. Additives can make it more difficult.
Using Non-Slip Epoxy Top Coat With Pre-Mixed Additives
If you already have an epoxy floor but need to make it non-slip, you can use non-slip epoxy paint or a non-slip top coat.
These top coats or paints are pre-mixed with different-size additives to give your floor a skid-proof surface.
You can paint or spray these top coats or paints onto the surface of an epoxy floor.
These paints and top coats don’t just prevent slipping accidents. They also work as a sealant, adding an extra protective layer to the epoxy floor. They can also be used on different types of epoxy floors since they don’t chemically alter the floor surface.
If you like the look of your floor and don’t want to change the color, you can use a clear non-slip paint or top coat. Alternatively, you can liven up an older epoxy floor using a different color.
These paints or top coats are effective because they are not as thick as the actual epoxy floor resin, so the additives stay at the surface of the paint or top coat.
Pros And Cons Of Pre-Mixed Non-Slip Epoxy Paint Or Top Coat
To make the right choice, you need to know as much about the paints and top coats you want to use. Here are all the pros and cons of using pre-mixed non-slip epoxy paints or top coats.
Pros Of Using Pre-Mixed Non-Slip Epoxy Paint Or Top Coat
Here are a few of the advantages of using a non-slip epoxy paint or top coat on your garage floor:
- It prevents slipping accidents by creating a non-slip surface,
- It dries quicker than the epoxy flooring,
- It comes in many colors and has a clear version,
- It can be sprayed on or painted on using a brush or a roller,
- It is less expensive than adding an entirely new epoxy floor,
- It is easy to maintain as it creates a protective barrier so you can clean spills easier and they won’t absorb into the floor,
- You have different grades of texture/additives to choose from, depending on how rough you need the floor surface to be,
- It helps your epoxy floor last longer,
- You can do it yourself and save on labor and time.
Cons Of Using Pre-Mixed Non-Slip Epoxy Paint Or Top Coat
All products have disadvantages, so here are some cons of using pre-mixed non-slip paints or top coats.
- It may get mop or broom hairs stuck between the bumps of the additives, as the textured additives are more prominent when you use paints or top coats.
- It would be best if you reapplied the paint or top coat once a year to keep the floor’s surface non-slip. Regular wear causes the raised bumps to wear down in high-traffic areas.
- They are not easy on the feet as their bumps are more prominent.
When Do You Need A Non-Slip Coating?
If you are not sure if you need a non-slip additive in your epoxy floor or non-slip coating for your existing epoxy floor, there are some factors to consider.
How (and Where) You Use Your Garage Matters
The climate and weather patterns of your area will make a huge difference.
If you stay in a humid/hot climate, it may not be necessary as the floor will remain dry. In Rainy areas or areas with lots of snow during the winter, adding a non-slip coating will be helpful.
How your garage floor will be used also makes a huge difference.
For example, if you have older people in your life who will use the garage regularly, the non-slip coating makes sense.
If you live alone and you won’t use the garage for anything other than storing things and your car, it might not be worth the money and effort.
If you are using the garage for work or a hobby, adding a non-slip coating or paint will help prevent accidents, make spills easier to clean, and help the epoxy floor stay stain-free.
